Please allow me to share with you a portion of one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 119:9-40.
9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
17. Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
25. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. 28. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31. I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. 32. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. 34. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. 38. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 39. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 40. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Thank you Jesus for your powerful Word! May this be our heart cry before the King!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
